TMI TV Dream Cast: Our Picks for Clary Fray

With production on The Mortal Instruments television show set to get underway this year, that also means that we’ll be meeting the cast that will be portraying the characters of Cassandra Clare’s series on the small screen.

While a hot topic surrounding the show has been casting – most specifically regarding the cast of the movie – it’s almost guaranteed that different actors will be cast in the small screen adaptation. But I’ve seen weirder things so you never know. But I wouldn’t hold out hope for the film’s cast to reprise their roles on the small screen. Television and movies are two different mediums. The same characters can appear on both avenues, just look at DC Comics on TV and in the movies; they are separate universes that share similar characters that are not linked to each other.

So as we wait to learn the identities of the actors who will be portraying our favorite characters on television, we thought we’d start dream casting beginning with our story’s protagonist, Miss Clary Fray.

Here are our top three actresses we’d love to see portray our heroine:

1. Molly Quinn

Back when The Mortal Instruments had been optioned as a film and we waited years for any progress, my choice for Clary was Molly Quinn. And I wasn’t alone. When the only thing fans had to go off of were fan-created videos using actors that they envisioned as the characters, Molly was almost always Clary. Not only does she have the look: a cute redhead who is, shocker, actually around the age of the character, but she’s a great actress to boot. If you haven’t seen Molly in action I highly suggest watching Castle. She slays it. While it’s important for the actress to have the look, it’s even more important that they understand the character and are able to portray that character on screen in a convincing way. In a way that doesn’t feel like we’re watching a television show but like Clary has stepped out of the pages of the book and into the real world. Plus, not only is she a fan of the books, but she even voiced the audiobooks for City of Fallen Angels and City of Lost Souls!

2. Jane Levy

When we’re thinking possible Clary Frays, you immediately picture a redhead. While Lily Collins was amazing as Clary in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, some fans were hoping for an actress with some nice red locks that are a trademark of the character. That’s only one of the reasons why Suburgatory‘s Jane Levy would make an excellent Clary. Like Molly, she’s got the red hair and looks the appropriate age to play a character that — though might be aged up in the show — shouldn’t be older than 17 or so. She’s also a superb actress that has experience ranging from television to movies and from comedy to horror (she was the lead in the Evil Dead remake). With Suburgatory resting in the television graveyard (R.I.P.), I don’t see why Jane wouldn’t be available for the role should it come her way.

3. Skyler Samuels

Skyler Samuels has some previous experience working on a television show adapted from a Young Adult book with ABC Family’s The Nine Lives of Chloe King. Unfortunately Nine Lives didn’t make it on the network (much to my disdain still), but Samuels is one of those actresses that is buzzing with talent and looking for that breakout role and the success that comes with it. Like Molly and Jane, she’s got the looks — the hair (nearly) and the age-appropriate look. Not only is Skyler charismatic but she’s got great emotional range that an actress portraying Clary needs to possess. And clearly she looks better in black.

I’m not going to answer this at all or any questions on who should replace the actors from the movie because just like with the movie, when the choice we think fits best isn’t picked there’s those out there who get rude and mean about it. So I choose to be Switzerland. All I want to see is how they’ll start this, will they pick up from City of Ashes or restart with City of Bones (the latter would be the best choice in my opinion especially if they have different actors), and what tv network they’ll show it on because I may not get to watch it until it’s on Netflix after the season is over of it’s on something I don’t have such as HBO or Starz. So yep, I’m Switzerland.

In reply to seralynsmom, 2/19/15, 12:12 PM. I agree with you wholeheartedly. It is best to wait and see who the final casting choices will be. God, I hope they choose a the perfect guy to place Jace. I am also praying that a network like CW will be the one that broadcasts it. I do not subscribe to premium channels such as HBO, Show Time, Starz, etc. I hope they choose a network that is available to everyone, no matter what country they live in. I, also, hope they start at the beginning, The City of Bones. As the story presented on TV will be more fully fleshed out, It would be silly to jump a book, just because the first book was presented in a movie format. I am really looking forward to this series!!!

I get why they would want to change them but what’s the real point??? We have already gotten attached to the movie actors (well me and my friends have at least) so why would you change them?? I love the movie actors (especially Jamie) and it would be a huge shame to see them go but if I have to choose one of them I would choose Skyler.

Because, unfortunately, some of them have other projects going on that may not let them add this to their things to film list. Others may just not want to do tv, and there’s still more reasons that I can’t really remember right now, but suffice to say they may not be able to do it. It’s unfortunate but it happens all the time.

I wouldn´t want for any of them to be cast as Clary (except maybe Skyler). I´d like to see someone unknown for the role if Lily doesn´t reprise the role. I think she was a perfect Clary. And Robert Sheehan was a perfect Simon. The other actors, well you can debate about that, but I think they were pretty good choices. Kevin was a bit too old for Alec, but he portrayed him well.

I actually wouldn’t want any of them to be Clary. I really do like Jane Levy, but I’ve always pictured her as Cordelia. When it really comes down to it I don’t see anyone as Clary (not even Lily Collins who I adore), which is strange because I actors for all the other characters.

I actually got to talk to Molly C. Quinn on Twitter back when they were first casting and she is a big fan and she really wanted the part. Unfortunately they never auditioned for Clary’s role they just gave it to Lily so she never even got to try.

But Lily Collins IS CLARY! 😦 Whenever I think of Clary, I automatically think of Lily. She has it all. Why are you taking her away from us? Nevertheless, guess Molly Quinn will be the best substitute. But honestly, you will never find someone better fitting for the role as Lily.

Before I even saw this forum and these proposed choices I was already thinking Molly Quinn would be perfect a perfect actress since seeing her acting in Castle. I hope she is in the running for the role of Clary.

I think that everyone should be the same especially the actor that plays jace but the I think that Jane Levy should be clary if her hair was longer like a lot longer but the reason why I like her is the fire like red hair.

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